281 - 01/03 - Visa requirements for ships crew - Singapore

We have been advised that the Singapore Immigration & Registration (SIR) has issued a circular to update the shipping community on the visa requirements imposed on ships’ crew.

In line with visa requirements imposed on visitors/crew from Assessment Level 2 countries, Bangladeshi crew are now required to arrive with a valid entry visa, whether they are joiners, signing off or through crew. With effect from 23 Dec 2002, all Bangladeshi crew are required to arrive with valid entry visa. Those who are not able to furnish a visa during arrival will be refused entry. Below we have attached a table on the visa conditions for crew.

SIR has also recently reviewed the list of recognized seafarers’ identity documents. With immediate effect, the seafarers’ identity document issued by the following countries will be added to the current list of seafarers’ identity document recognized by Singapore for purpose of joining vessels, arriving and departing Singapore on board vessels or for repatriation, if they meet immigration requirements: Burundi, Congo, Estonia, Jordan (visa required), Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Venezuela.

[Note: Seamen arriving in Singapore not joining vessel but in transit to a third country, requesting a VFTF must produce their international passports and may be subjected to other requirements, where applicable.]

Entry visa is required for PRC and Vietnam

nationals. Shipping

agents are to furnish

LGs confirming that

persons are crew

arriving to join vessels.

Entry visa not

required.

Entry visa not

required if the crew are eligible for VFTF. Shipping agents are to furnish LGs and confirmed